David Hodges is a founding partner of Kennedy Hodges. He focuses his practice on personal injury claims.

During the birth of a child, many types of injuries can potentially occur. One common example is a condition known as Erb’s Palsy. This condition is a form of brachial plexus disorder. It occurs when the nerves in a baby’s upper arm are damaged, often as a result of a lesion located at Erb’s point. Erb’s point is the area near the baby’s neck where the fifth and sixth cranial nerves merge. Erb’s Palsy affects one or two out of every 1,000 babies born.

Seven Signs Your Baby Has Erb’s Palsy

Babies suffering from Erb’s Palsy may experience many complications. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition in order to obtain a proper diagnosis, get the best treatment, and protect your legal rights if the injury occurred as a result of medical negligence. If your baby is exhibiting concerning symptoms and you suspect that a birth injury may have occurred, consider the following signs of Erb’s Palsy:

The arm that is affected by Erb’s Palsy may be limp, held against the side of the body, or bent at the elbow.

Your baby may demonstrate a decreased ability to grip with his or her hand on the side of the body affected by the Erb’s Palsy.

Your baby may experience partial or full paralysis.

The upper arm that is affected by Erb’s Palsy may show a loss of sensory function.

The upper arm that is affected by Erb’s Palsy may demonstrate a loss of motor function.

When a trusted doctor breaches the medical standard of care during the birth of your child, you may be entitled to compensation. This is important in order to provide you with the financial resources to obtain the best possible treatment for your child. To learn more, we encourage you to reach out for a complimentary consultation at 888-894-0119.